GOLDEN TICKET

Alan and Rita Winstanley got the surprise of their lives this week, when Roberto Martinez popped round to their home unannounced to present them with the first two FA Cup Final tickets for May 11.

Season ticket holders since the early 1960s, Alan and Rita first met on a supporters coach going to see Latics in an away game but were unable to see their first love at Wembley in the semi-final as they were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary at the DW Stadium.

The club decided it would be fitting that they were both there to see Wigan Athletic in one of the biggest games in the club’s history when the face Manchester City in the final and has paid for their tickets and travel for the big day.

Roberto Martinez said: "The support Alan and Rita have given our club for so long is incredible and we wanted to make sure that they didn't miss our big day at Wembley, again!

"When you discover these stories it tells you so much about what is behind our club and the people who make us what we are. I hope they enjoy their day and that we can make it a game to really remember."

Tickets for the FA Cup Final with Budweiser go on sale to Season Ticket Holders this Sunday at 10.00am. [Click here] for full details.

See how the story was covered on BBC Northwest Tonight by [clicking here]